Turkish authorities have launched an official investigation into an Israeli airstrike that killed three Turkish citizens, who were attempting to cross from Lebanon into Israel, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Ankara prosecutors revealed that the investigation was initiated ex officio after the tragic incident. The bodies of the three men have been returned to Türkiye, where autopsies are currently underway, according to a statement from local authorities.
Once the autopsy procedures are completed, the relevant reports will be submitted to the prosecutor’s office for further legal action, the statement added.
The three individuals had been reported missing last month, sparking concern. Shortly after, the Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrike, describing it as an “unlawful attack” that led to the deaths of its citizens.
The Ministry clarified, “It has been confirmed that the three Turkish nationals, who lost contact while attempting to cross from Lebanon to Israel illegally, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the region.”
